At the fag end of our European sojourn in 2018, we decided to spend two days in Amsterdam, the city where canals weave a web of magic. With the North Sea flanking its north, the Amstel river flowing through, and 165 canals crisscrossing the whole city, it felt like water, water, and water everywhere! It was already cold in October. But we were not complaining at all! It hardly felt like a city, rather it seemed like a big garden with curated buildings all around. Here I’m sharing my feelings and experiences of the Dutch city with special tips on how to explore its canals.
A small fishermen’s village around a dam in the Amstel river in the 12th century gradually grew to become one of the most prosperous cities of the world over the next 400 years. Amsterdam’s sea traders brought immense fortune to the city from Asia (especially from India), Africa and America. Economic boom accompanied by cultural progress made the 17th century a Golden Age for Amsterdam. All the major canals, tall buildings and the two important churches (Zuiderkerk and Westerkerk) were built during this period.
{If you like European cities, have a look: Paris (France) ||| Florence (Italy) ||| Geneva (Switzerland)}
However, later part of the century saw an economic downturn due to wars with England and France. After a long period of stagnation, Amsterdam has been growing again steadily over the last two centuries. To know more about the city’s history, here is an interesting link: “A short history of Amsterdam”.
3 C's that define Amsterdam
Since we travel with significant background research, we knew what to expect from the city when we arrived there. But it had a lot more to offer than our expectations.
Every city has certain unique features that define the nature of the city. In many ways, the iconic canals of Amsterdam define its intrinsic character. However, along with the canals, there are two more things quite unique to Amsterdam- its cityscape and the cycles. So, for me, there are three C’s that define the true Amsterdam- (unique) Cityscape, Cycles and Canals.
The Cityscape:
Amsterdam’s cityscape is quite unique, where its main canals form a semi-circular concentric cityscape facing the sea. Most of the buildings in the city follow a certain pattern and look classy. Straight roads built between the canals with rich flora, especially flowering varieties make the city look like a piece of paradise. It’s one of the most well-organized, and well-planned cities in Europe. Meticulously designed buildings, beautiful streets, a vibrant city center and impeccable city planning make it one of the most wonderful cityscapes in the world. So definitely no wonder why it ranks among the most livable cities in the world.
Every street in Amsterdam looks beautiful with a set pattern of buildings. Whoever constructs a building, has to take approval from the city’s authorities about its design and colour. People are very particular about the colours of buildings. So much so that, as our walking tour guide told us that Amsterdammers call a particular neighborhood (of people of Chinese origin) ugly because the buildings are colourful (like yellow, pink etc)!
The Cycles:
However, the thing about Amsterdam that fascinated me the most was its cycles. I was in absolute awe to see the sheer number of cycles in the city. It was really unusual to see almost everyone in Amsterdam riding a bicycle. From the courier guys to the bureaucrats, from students to policemen, everyone just loves their cycles. With more than 8,80,000 cycles in the city, they outnumber the residents! Cyclists ride through the city without a care, safely and happily. It’s indeed a cyclers’ paradise.
Now, the third C- the canals. Since canals are the most defining feature of Amsterdam, let’s discuss them in some detail.
Amsterdam, where canals weave a web of magic
Canals of Amsterdam have a charm of their own, very unique. Amsterdam feels like a magical web where these canals crisscross each other and the streets so as to form 90 islands makes.
The omnipresent bicycles parked on the bridges over these canals make for the most iconic visuals from the Netherlands. There are a staggering 165 canals forming nearly 100 kilometers of canal ways! More interestingly, these canals were dug in almost concentric circles around the city’s main square (Dam Square).
History of canals in Amsterdam:
In a visual sense, the canals of Amsterdam are the reason for its aesthetics. In this sense, it’s but natural for people to compare Amsterdam to Venice (referred as Venice of the north). Perhaps, canals of Venice were an inspiration for the Dutch people to build their own canals. Because canals in Venice were built much earlier (in the 9th century), Amsterdam’s canals were built only in the 16th century.
Singel, the earliest canal in Amsterdam (the innermost ring) was originally a defensive moat. Later, the three main canals of Amsterdam- Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht were constructed during the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age.
However, much like the canals of Venice, they are also Amsterdam’s lifeline. Initially built for defence and water management purposes, now they are the most important tourist attraction in the city.
Though digging of the first canals had started in the middle ages, majority of them were dug in the 17th century, the Dutch golden age. For its historic value, and intrinsic beauty, the historic canal belt (‘Grachtengordel’ in Dutch) has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Canal cities across the globe:
Venice is perhaps the most charming city with canals, and has the largest number of canals. But its canals are actually natural waterways, not artificial. Birmingham has the longest (mileage) network of canals in Europe. Fort Lauderdale has the longest canal network in the world (more than 300 kms). And there are at least 20 more cities in the world with significant canal networks.
I have only seen their pictures on internet; all of them look so beautiful! In my own experience, apart from Venice, canals of Chiang Mai did remind me of Amsterdam, though they are hardly comparable in scale.
Some interesting facts about the canals of Amsterdam:
- For all the comparison with Venice, Amsterdam actually wins the race, at least in numbers. Against a total of 150 canals and 400 bridges spanning 38 kilometers in Venice, Amsterdam has 165 canals and 1500 bridges spanning 100 kilometers in Amsterdam than in Venice!
- Within span of a generation: Would you believe, the whole network of canals was built only in a span of a few decades (between 1585 and 1665)!
- Imagine a cityscape with 90 islands! Yes, the canals crisscrossing the Amsterdam creates 90 islands
- “Seven Bridges”, a particular place on the Reguliersgracht canal, where one can see seven bridges lined up in a row that makes for a gorgeous photogenic panorama. Located at a point where two canals meet- the Reguliersgracht and the Herengracht, this place is especially famous for its telescopic view. Especially at night, when the lights come up, the bridges and their reflections create a magical view.
- The elegant buildings that line the canals, actually stand on wooden poles driven deep into the ground
- As per estimates, some 2500+ various types of houseboats float around the canals of Amsterdam.
Bike Fishing:
Amsterdam is where canals and cycles have a peculiar relation. While Amsterdammers love their cycles, they also have this peculiar habit of often throwing their cycles in the canals! Go fishing, and get surprised to get a bicycle in the waters instead! Authorities pull out thousands (15,000+) of bicycles from the canals of Amsterdam every year. In recent times, this cycle dredging has become a tourist interest as well.
Amsterdam is as much a city of canals as of bicycles. Back in the day, when Amsterdam didn’t have a sewer system, its residents used to use the canals as open toilet and junkyard. So, when their cycles got old, like any other junk, they would throw their cycles in the canals as well. Realizing this massive problem, the city built its sewer system in 1860s onwards. But old habits die hard. And some residents still throw away their old bicycles into the waters.
Amsterdam, beyond the canals
While Amsterdam is where the canals weave a web of magic, it’s not all about the canals only. From heritage buildings to tulip gardens and windmills, Amsterdam has a lot to offer beyond its iconic canals. For your convenience, I put down a list that one shouldn’t miss.
- Dam Square: With major buildings around it like the Royal Palace, the Nieuwekerk (New Church), Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and the National Monument, it’s easily the most happening place in Amsterdam. At walkable distance from the square are the main red-light district: De Wallen and the Centraal Station.
- Great Museums: Among the best museums, one must not forget to visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House and the Stedelijk museum.
- Anne Frank House: Visiting Anne Frank House takes one down an emotional journey. Once it gave shelter to Anne Frank (a diarist) and her family (all Jews) for two years (during German occupation of the Netherlands) away from the eyes of the Nazis.
Other places of interest:
- Red Light Area: Prostitution started in Amsterdam in the medieval ages, and flourished in the seventeenth century in the De Wallen area known as the Red-Light District. If you want to satisfy your curiosity, late evenings are the best time to see the red-light area in its elements.
- Great Churches: Of the scores of churches, the three churches that I loved the most in Amsterdam are the Westerkerk, the Oude kerk (old church) and the Nieuwe kerk (new church).
- Parks: Like other cities in Europe, Amsterdam is blessed with lovely parks. We visited the Vondelpark in the morning and spent a few hours enjoying the beautiful landscape, the lakeside and sculpture at one end of the park.
- Tulip Gardens and Windmills: Away from the city center, on a day trip, one can visit the world famous tulip gardens and windmills of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam : Travel Tips
Best time to visit:
Of course, everyone knows, spring- summer- autumn (April to September) is the best time to visit most of Europe including Amsterdam. When we visited in October, it was already quite cold with strong cold wind blowing from the North Sea! So, November onwards, it would not be a nice place to visit.
Now, since this article is about the canals of Amsterdam, let me share some good tips on how and where to experience the canals of Amsterdam.
How and where to experience the canals of Amsterdam:
Amsterdam is a unique city where roads for cars are as important as pathways for cycles and canals for boats! In many ways, the canals of Amsterdam are not only waterways, but are also witness to its glorious past and showcase the ingenuity of its innovative people. They amply demonstrate how the Dutch people won over the ocean that always threatened their existence. In fact, it’s absolutely mindboggling how bit by bit, the Amsterdammers claimed pieces of land from the ocean bed. To understand more, it’s a great idea to take a boat cruise in the canals. While in Amsterdam, if a boat cruise is in your list of things to do, here are a few tips just for you.
- Starting points: Central Station, Anne Frank House, Leidseplein and some popular hotels
- Timings: Through the day and evening. So, one may choose whatever time suits them. Moreover, the day tours and the evening tours have their distinct charm. In the evening, one can choose a wine-and-cheese boat cruise.
- Types of boat cruises: The classic 1-hour trip (most popular) in a glass-ceiling boat || Open/ semi-open boat cruises || Hop-on and hop-off services.
- How to book: There are quite a number of boat service providers available online. ‘Get Your Guide’ is a good one that I know of. Though bookings are possible on the same day, it’s a good idea to book in advance to keep things convenient for one.
Where to stay (some good hostels):
Clink Noord ||| St. Christopher’s at the Winston ( best party hostel) ||| Euphemia old city canal zone ||| The Flying Pig Downtown ||| Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark ||| Hans Brinker ||| Via Amsterdam.
We stayed at the Wow hostel; it was a good hostel, but was a little far from the city center. So, we won’t really suggest this one to you unless you are there for a longish duration.
How to get around:
Major tourist attractions in Amsterdam are fairly close to each other; so, the best way is to walk around. In any case, it’s such a beautiful city that being inside a vehicle is absolutely waste of time. Yes, of course, cycling is the next best option in the cycle paradise. Public transport in Amsterdam is a good option to travel longer distances that one cannot walk. It’s advisable to get a day-ticket rather than taking a ticket for each ride.
Where to eat:
Greenwood’s Singel ||| Cafe Belcampo ||| Waterkant ||| CT Coffee and Coconuts ||| Cafe In De Wang ||| Foodhallen ||| Coffee Bru ||| Lanskroon ||| Cafe Kuijfer ||| Winkel 43 ||| Cafe Schiller ||| Skek cafe.
Miscellaneous Tips:
- If you are planning to engage in a lot of non-free activities, ‘I Amsterdam City Card‘ is a great option
- Amsterdam walking tour is a great way to explore the core old city. They tell interesting stories about the city one may not otherwise get to know. There are a number of free walking tours on offer; do look for them.
- Canal cruise is an amazing way to experience Amsterdam neighbourhoods.
- Don’t miss visiting a windmill on National Windmill Day if you are there in second Saturday of May
- April is an amazing time to be in Amsterdam for the Tulip Festival
- Coffeeshops (one word) are places where you can get cannabis, and not to be confused with coffee shops/ cafes where you get coffee!
- Don’t take pictures of the sex workers in their windows in the red-light district
- Avoid visiting the red-light district alone, if you don’t want unwanted attention
- After a great day walking around the city, enjoy the sunset view from Plekk.
Before I wind up
Amsterdam is where canals charm you and entertain you. Amsterdam is also where canals tell a story, preserve a rich heritage and provide livelihoods. On one hand, they represent the old, on the other they showcase a modern cityscape.
Apart from the beautiful times we had in Amsterdam, the city taught me a few lessons. 1. How a modern city can be made safe for everyone, and enjoyable if the government really cares. 2. That cars are not really needed on the roads, if the city planners take their jobs seriously. 3. That it doesn’t hurt to be open minded and liberal in thought and action; it’s a great way forward for humanity.
I do like the idea of leaving out something unexplored at a place so that you have enough reasons to go back. For us, Tulips are the reason to go back. And we will go back to Amsterdam one spring day.
Have you been to Amsterdam? If yes, do share your experience with us. And if you enjoyed reading the article, please leave behind a few words for us. Thanks a lot for engaging with us.
Sandip
Beautiful pic..
stampedmoments
Thanks 🙂
Sajith
Really good to read.
Clean, and peaceful city…..Its awesome
Keep travelling and share the experience with us.
stampedmoments
For sure, Sajith.
Thanks a lot for the feedback.
Soumen Chatterjee
Amsterdam, the city where canals weave a web of magic. The city is quite fascinating I guess.Good to know about the history of Amsterdam, and more over its only waters and waters and small cannels just loved it. The three C’s Amsterdam- Canals, Cityscape, and Cycles. 1st is the Canels, there are 165 canals forming nearly 100 kilometers of canal ways that divide the city into 90 small islands! 2nd is the Cityscape
Amsterdam is one of the most well organized, and well planned cities in Europe. Meticulously designed buildings, beautiful streets, a vibrant city center and impeccable city planning make it one of the most wonderful cityscapes in the world. So definitely no wonder why it ranks among the most livable cities in the world. It’s truely said and reading this feels like I am in the city. May that be classy streets or The Dam’s Square. The most happening place in Amsterdam with major buildings around it like the Royal Palace, the Nieuwekerk (New Church), Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and the National Monument. And another is the Royal Palace – it is one of the three royal residences in Amsterdam. The majestic statue of Atlas atop the palace symbolized an important and central position of Amsterdam in the universe. Other grand features of the palace include the Citizen’s hall, impressive sculptures, and the intricate paintings. I guess it is one of tourist attraction also. The third one is the Cycles With more than 8,80,000 cycles in the city, they outnumber the residents! Cyclists ride through the city without a care, safely and happily. It’s indeed a cyclers’ paradise .
Other than three C’s there are great museum and fantastic churches that I really liked in the blog. The other things I got to know was the great lakes and beautiful tulip garden and last but not the least the famous windmill of Amsterdam. Overall I must say it was a great experience .
stampedmoments
Thank you so much, Soumen.
Keep reading, keep connected!
Peggy
I was only in Amsterdam for a day and it was so cold and poured rain relentlessly! I was so disappointed not to wander along the canals and see the city. I must go back!
stampedmoments
Even when we were there in October, it was already really cold! But we managed somehow.
But yes, rains would be too much of a disappointment.
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Surachita Pratap
It was great reading through the article; nice peek into the city with lovely pictures. Feel like visiting once.
stampedmoments
Yup, Amsterdam is a must if you are in Europe sometime.
It’s among the top five most beautiful cities, arguably.
Thanks for reading.